View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Harriet sees Peter in Oxford, what is he wearing?

2. What does Harriet tell the dean she feels like before Peter dines with them?

3. How long does Peter sleep while Harriet watches boats on the river?

4. What is the age difference between Pomfret and Harriet?

5. Who hears a grinding noise in Harriet's room the night of the smashing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Harriet surprised to see Peter in Oxford?

2. What drives Miss Newland to madness?

3. What causes the Warden to agree to seek professional help in solving the mystery?

4. Why are the women nervous about Peter dining with them in Chapter 17?

5. Why does Harriet not return to Shrewsbury as soon as the Warden's maid calls her?

6. How does Peter know Padgett?

7. Why does Harriet go to Miss de Vine's room in Chapter 21?

8. Why does Harriet contact Peter in Chapter 13?

9. Why does Harriet accuse Miss Hillyard of smashing her chess set?

10. How does Peter suggest that Harriet alter her novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An element of detective fiction is that the author leaves obscure clues as to who is responsible. Find four of these clues from Gaudy Night and explain how they point to Annie as the culprit.

Essay Topic 2

There is a violent storm in Chapter 13. Explain the symbolism of the storm in regard to the preceding and proceeding events and the faculty members.

Essay Topic 3

By halfway through the book, Harriet knows that Miss Martin, Miss Lydgate, and Miss Edwards are not the culprits. Explain why each of these characters are known to be innocent, and the event that proves this to Harriet.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 771 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample